Evening, June 6
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
2 Corinthians 11:22
"Are they Israelites? so am I."
2 Corinthians 11:22
We have here a personal claim, and one that needs proof. The apostle
knew that his claim was indisputable, but there are many persons who
have no right to the title who yet claim to belong to the Israel of
God. If we are with confidence declaring, "So am I also an Israelite,"
let us only say it after having searched our heart as in the presence
of God. But if we can give proof that we are following Jesus, if we can
from the heart say, "I trust him wholly, trust him only, trust him
simply, trust him now, and trust him ever," then the position which the
saints of God hold belongs to us--all their enjoyments are our
possessions; we may be the very least in Israel, "less than the least
of all saints," yet since the mercies of God belong to the saints as
saints, and not as advanced saints, or well-taught saints, we may put
in our plea, and say, "Are they Israelites? so am I; therefore the
promises are mine, grace is mine, glory will be mine." The claim,
rightfully made, is one which will yield untold comfort. When God's
people are rejoicing that they are his, what a happiness if they can
say, "So am I !" When they speak of being pardoned, and justified, and
accepted in the Beloved, how joyful to respond, "Through the grace of
God, so am I." But this claim not only has its enjoyments and
privileges, but also its conditions and duties. We must share with
God's people in cloud as well as in sunshine. When we hear them spoken
of with contempt and ridicule for being Christians, we must come boldly
forward and say, "So am I." When we see them working for Christ, giving
their time, their talent, their whole heart to Jesus, we must be able
to say, "So do I." O let us prove our gratitude by our devotion, and
live as those who, having claimed a privilege, are willing to take the
responsibility connected with it.